Independent panel needed to monitor the health of the Welsh media sector – according to a National Assembly Committee
10 May 2012
A new, independent panel is needed to examine all aspects of the media sector in Wales and to provide advice on sustainable policies to safeguard its future, according to a new report from a National Assembly for Wales Committee.
A task and finish group focusing on the Future Outlook of the Media, set up by the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee, recommends the establishment of a forum which would look at issues such as the devolution of powers over broadcasting in Wales and the development of sustainable business models that would support local print media.
The group also recommends that the Welsh Government should commission a review that would map how people in Wales consume media. This could then help inform cross-sector development across Wales, including media and new technologies.
Other recommendations include the Assembly having a role in monitoring the amount of political coverage provided by BBC Wales, particularly in light of budget cuts recently announced by the Corporation. The group also noted the need for the funding of Welsh language channel S4C to be closely monitored.
“What has become clear during the course of our inquiry is that there is still a healthy appetite for Welsh-focused media and information in Wales. However, the way that people are consuming that information is evolving rapidly,” said Ken Skates AM, who chaired the task and finish group.
“Therefore we believe that an independent body, consisting of experts with experience across the sector, should be charged with monitoring the Welsh media landscape and provide advice and guidance on how to sustain it.
“Our recommendations are broad in range and scope and reflect the detail of evidence and the views we gathered during the course of our inquiry.
“While the future of the media industry in Wales is not clearly mapped out, what is certain is the need for a sustainable media sector to not just survive but to thrive and continue holding institutions such as the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales to account.”
The report contains 23 recommendations including:
the Welsh Government should explore all opportunities to continue supporting community radio in Wales;
the Welsh Government should continue to progress the recommendations of the Hargreaves review, and report regularly on progress to the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee, and;
the Welsh Government should explore opportunities, including working with higher education institutions, to encourage innovation and foster new business models.